Knox Utility Rate Increase Passes on Second Reading

The Knox City Council has taken another step toward raising municipal utility rates. Members Tuesday night approved water and sewer rate increase ordinances on second reading.

The proposed rates are based on a rate study conducted for the city by accounting firm Umbaugh and Associates. It took into account infrastructure needs for maintaining both services at appropriate levels.

If approved, changes in water rates will take effect immediately, while sewer rate increases will be phased in over the next two years. According to a minimum bill comparison for total water and sewer rates, consumers can expect to see a nearly $13 increase in 2016. Prices would increase another $7 the year after.

New Councilman Tim Manns cast the lone dissenting vote against both increases, saying he’s gotten numerous complaints from constituents who are upset about the proposed hikes.

Third reading of both ordinances is anticipated at the Jan. 26th meeting.

WKVI News Director Mary Perren is glad to be back home in northern Indiana and on the radio. She’s a North Judson native with more than 20 years of news experience. She’s worked in print and radio news in Indianapolis, Hopkinsville, Ky., Nashville, Tenn. and most recently in Winamac before taking over as news director for Kankakee Valley Broadcasting in February of 2013. Her work has been honored by the Associated Press, StateNets News Association, Curb Foundation, Hoosier State Press Association and IBA. When she’s not sitting in the anchor chair or chasing down news, Mary enjoys shopping for antiques, attending concerts and taking long walks and rides in her vintage Saab convertible, weather permitting. She’s also a hopelessly devoted Chicago Cubs fanatic who still cringes at the mention of Steve Garvey and Josh Beckett and maintains it wasn’t Steve Bartman’s fault.